Stothert and Ewing debate at Omaha by Design Mayoral Forum

Omaha’s mayoral candidates have been busy as the general election approaches. They appeared on KETV for a debate on Sunday evening followed by two debates on Tuesday. The first was on KFAB with host Scott Voorhees and the second was at the Omaha by Design Mayoral Forum, hosted by Creighton University. Around 200 students and other guests were in attendance.

Omaha by Design, a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by Bruce Lauritzen, Ken Stinson, and John Gottschalk, focused on “vibrant and inclusive public spaces, a “smart and connected metro,” and “equitable and sustainable development.” Questions revolved around progressive ideas and plans for the future of the city — a stark contrast to questions from the KFAB earlier, which centered on recent flooding on Saddle Creek, road conditions, condemned properties, and policing.

A Plan for every Problem

Jean Stothert was able to leverage her 12 years in office by citing specific plans, programs, and grants that were in progress or already being implemented to address the various questions posed by moderator Levy.

On housing affordability, Stothert had a Housing and Affordability Action Plan (HAP). On creating a “multimodal transportation network,” Stothert has an “Active Living and Advisory Committee” to eliminate traffic deaths, along with multiple protected bike lanes downtown.

On managing the city’s growth, Stothert has a master plan called “We Make Omaha” with workshops, community engagement surveys, and public outreach. On green spaces, Stothert highlighted $12 million in ARPA funds for park improvements along with multiple development projects downtown, including connecting the riverfront and Heartland of America Park.

On Economic Opportunity, Stothert has a six-year Capital Improvement Plan, which is reviewed annually, to prioritizes investments in transportation, public safety, parks, sewers and street bonds, and preservation projects.

Even on climate change, traditionally a left-wing issue, Stothert had a Climate Action and Resilience Plan, funded by grants, targeting a 52% emissions reduction by 2035.

Ewing makes the case for change

Ewing, as a challenger, needed to differentiate himself from Stothert and present a meaningful case for a change of course. In his opening statement, he made a clear pitch to a progressive audience by highlighting the need for “equity.”

“Our progress means nothing if it’s not shared. Equity isn’t a slogan, it’s a standard. I will prioritize inclusive decision making, empower underserved communities, and ensure every voice is heard in shaping Omaha’s future.”

On affordable housing, Ewing criticized City View and Legacy Crossing, and he advocated for partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Front Porch rather than building “luxury apartments and things that are out of the price range of ordinary working people.” He cited fears of the city running out of space by 2050 with a need “to do more infill housing right now” and changing zoning laws.

On traffic safety, Ewing advocated to “work with our community partners” and “make the necessary changes to keep our streets safe,” which included conducting studies and creating “neighborhood hubs.” On economic development, Ewing wants to create “more living wage jobs,” and on public parks, Ewing wants to conduct studies and survey the public before creating specific plans.

“We have to have the data, we have to have the input, we have to develop this data driven plan that will address the deficiencies that we see in our neighborhoods and create a roadmap for implementation and delivery of these amenities in our public spaces,” Ewing said.

Ewing also advocated to get people into the neighborhoods of 24th Street in North and South Omaha and develop it as a “tourist destination.” On climate change, Ewing met with “several green and climate change organizations” and discussed projects like tree planting, storm, water management, and energy efficient public buildings.

“I think it’s critically important that we don’t create plans that we put on a shelf, but that we create plans and then we put those plans into action,” Ewing said.

Roadmap to the future

Members of the audience were invited to write questions for the candidates, but there was only time for one on attracting employers to Omaha’s downtown area.

Stothert noted $1.5 billion in recent downtown development and the plan to attract young professionals downtown through urban amenities like the streetcar project. Ewing talked about the need for higher education and business incentives, and he also complained that “downtown is really not a very clean space, not a space that is attractive to people.”

In their closing statements, Stothert cited her record of low crime, low unemployment, business partnerships and Omaha’s top ranking by Forbes. Ewing said that his campaign “is about making sure every child has a shot, every worker has a path, and every resident has a seat at the table.”

While Stothert articled clear and detailed plans created with business partners and community leaders, Ewing exposed a major weakness in his call to listen to the public. Stothert’s top-down planning was one of the most contentious issues related to the streetcar project, which was put forward without a public vote, as had been previously promised. While Ewing’s plans remained more of a thumbnail sketch than a blueprint, his calls for input from the general public gave him a decidedly populist edge in a progressive forum.